Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rio de Janeiro (Agenzia Fides) - The Bishops of Rio de Janeiro have issued a statement manifesting their support for all those suffering from the dengue epidemic. “We deeply regret,” the statement said, “the deaths of so many children and young people, above all due to a lack of assistance and we lift our prayers to God on their behalf.”
The Bishops denounce the fact that in recent years, there has been an increasing number of victims from this epidemic, a reality that demands a firm and immediate response, especially from authorities, in order to end the epidemic. Unfortunately, however, the necessary measures have not been taken in a prompt and effective manner. That is why the Bishops are making an appeal to all people to avoid whatever means of transmission of the disease, each within his own responsibility. They recognize the efforts being made by the public authorities in facing the crisis, however they lament the fact that the municipal, state, and national powers, “instead of assuming their own responsibility and taking necessary concrete measures to solve the problem,” are enveloped in mutual accusations.
“Dengue can affect anyone,” the statement said, “but the poorest are the most affected because they lack the necessary domestic and sanitary conditions and, moreover, they do not have access to health care. They are the ones who most suffer the consequences of the epidemic.”
Thus, the Bishops are saying that the epidemic demands an urgent response from public authorities in the form of health care policies, public health programs, prevention programs, and informational campaigns to stop transmission of the disease.
“The Catholic Bishops of Rio de Janeiro and their faithful place themselves entirely in favor of this battle against the epidemic, especially since it is already moving beyond our national borders and is becoming a real national health emergency,” the statement concluded. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 10/4/2008; righe 27, parole 307)
